Suetonius: The Roman Historian Who Gave Us a Glimpse into the Lives of the Caesars

Suetonius (c. 69 – after 122 AD) was a Roman historian who wrote a series of biographies of the Roman emperors, including Julius Caesar and the first twelve emperors. His works are considered to be one of the most important sources for understanding the history of the Roman Empire during this period.

Suetonius was born in around 69 AD and was educated in Athens and Rome. He became a lawyer and served as a secretary to the emperor Hadrian. After Hadrian's death, he wrote his most famous work, "De Vita Caesarum" (On the Lives of the Caesars), which consists of twelve biographies of the Roman emperors from Julius Caesar to Domitian.

Suetonius' works are known for their vivid and often sensational portrayals of the private lives of the emperors, as well as their political and military achievements. He provides valuable information about the daily life of the imperial court, including the personal habits and quirks of the emperors, their relationships with their wives and mistresses, and their dealings with the Senate and the Roman people.

Suetonius' biographies are also notable for their critical and sometimes satirical tone, particularly in his portrayal of the later emperors, such as Caligula and Nero. He was not afraid to speak truth to power and was willing to criticize the emperors for their excesses and abuses of power.

Overall, Suetonius' works provide a unique and fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the Roman Empire during its most powerful and influential period. His biographies have been widely studied and admired for centuries, and continue to be an important source for understanding the history of ancient Rome.